Classical Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek begins with a long drive from Kathmandu (1,324 m) to Maccha Khola. You leave early in a private jeep or local bus. The vehicle heads northwest on the Prithvi Highway, passing through towns like Dhading Besi and seeing beautiful rice fields. Your first stop is Arughat (608 m), where you can have lunch, check permits, and gather supplies.

As you continue, the route gets rougher, winding through forests and along a bumpy track with views of the river. When you arrive in Maccha Khola, a small riverside village in Gorkha District, you’ll stay at a basic teahouse or lodge for the night.

The second day of the trek starts with a tasty breakfast in Maccha Khola. So far, you haven’t gained much altitude, which you can tell from the warm, tropical plants around you. Get ready for some ups and downs on the trail. You’ll cross two main rivers: Tharo Khola and Machha Khola.

After you cross the Machha Khola on a suspension bridge, you’ll reach Tatopani. Then, continue on the path through the forests to Doban. Doban refers to the meeting of two rivers in Nepal, and indeed, it sits at the point where Shari Khola and Sarpu Khola converge. Over the years, Doban village has quietly become a tourist hub on the route to Manaslu Base Camp.

The Manaslu Circuit trek is becoming increasingly exciting but also more challenging. After a hearty breakfast at Doban, you’ll begin your trek to reach Philim by the end of the day. The trail quickly presents a challenge with a steep climb to Louri. As you walk along the winding path, the fresh mountain air lifts your spirits. Next, you’ll head down to Thado Bharyang, a lovely spot below Jagat. Here, you can pause to take in the beautiful view of terraced fields and colorful plants.

When you’re ready, cross a clear river to get to Jagat. This village is renowned for its distinctive Tibetan-style architecture and welcoming atmosphere. After a brief look around this charming place, cross another river to continue to Philim. You’ll notice a rich culture and a warm community in the Gurung Village. Overnight stay at one of the teahouses.

As you head north from Philim, you’ll see fields of millet on the hills. Here, farmers work hard, and the bright green crops sway in the wind. You’ll soon reach Eklebatti, a small village where friendly villagers share their stories and traditions amidst the soothing sounds of nature.

After a rest, the trail takes you through rocky canyons, offering stunning views. You’ll cross the Budi Gandaki River and walk along its banks. Listen to the calming river sounds as you approach the Deng Khola River. After crossing, you’ll be close to Deng, where trekkers often note the special aroma of burning juniper from the Monastery.

Your journey continues after a filling breakfast as you head to Ghap. First, you’ll travel through Bihi Phedi and Bihi. This part of the Manaslu Circuit trip includes a short downhill section followed by a steep uphill that leads you to Rana Bridge. From this Rana bridge, you can enjoy stunning views of the hills and valleys.

Next, you’ll walk through a pine forest and cross another suspension bridge to reach Bihi Phedi. After crossing the bridge, you’ll notice small walls and images of Buddhist gods and goddesses. This means you have entered a Buddhist area. A bit further, you’ll cross another suspension bridge before finally arriving in Ghap.

Today, the Manaslu Circuit trekking route takes you from Ghap to Namrung. You start your trail with a pleasant walk through dense rhododendron and pine forests along the Budhi Gandaki River, gradually climbing on a well-defined path. After crossing a suspension bridge, you enter the restricted region of upper Nupri (the Nubri Valley). In this route, you’ll pass small settlements such as Lho Gaon and offer the first dramatic views of Manaslu (8,163 m) looming above the valley.

After a few hours of trek, you’ll reach Namrung village. Namrung itself is a beautiful village with traditional stone houses, mani walls, and several significant gompas. You can spend the afternoon exploring the Namrung Gompa and the nearby Ribung Gompa. Both monasteries offer stunning close-up views of Manaslu and the surrounding peaks, such as Naike Peak and Pang Phuchul. The trail continues to climb steadily into the high valleys of the Manaslu region.

The tough portion of the Manaslu Circuit Trek is upon us. You’ll continue towards Lho after breakfast. After a few hours of the trek, you’ll come across another path that leads you through the beautiful Lihi village. You’ll then cross a stream that originates from the Lindanda Glacier to reach Sho, while enjoying the views of Simnang Himal (6,251 m).

After taking a brief break, you’ll proceed to reach Lho. Lho is a charming village that is also culturally rich. You’ll see houses and monasteries covered with prayer flags, Mani Walls, Chortens, and other stupas. The town is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture. You can stroll around the city and soak in majestic views of the region.

You’ll begin your trek from Lho early in the morning and walk to Samagaun. The path goes through a forest and leads to Shyala village. In Shyala, you’ll see various farms and several wooden resting spots. Here, you can stop for lunch, take photos, and rest a bit. As you continue, you’ll cross a small stream that comes from the Punggen glacier and reach a flat village of Samagaun.

Samagaun is the nearest village to Manaslu Base Camp. You’ll definitely find Samagaun very interesting. It lies within the Manaslu Conservation Area, where you can encounter a diverse range of rare flora and fauna. Due to the variety of terrains, floras, and fauna, the Manaslu circuit trek is considered among the most interesting treks in Nepal.

Samagaon is a great place to rest and get used to the high altitude. While you are here, you won’t just stay in your teahouse; you’ll explore the village. You’ll see how the locals live and experience their culture. You can also hike to Manaslu Base Camp, visit Pungyen Monastery, or go to Birendra Lake.

Pungyen Monastery is about a two and a half hour hike south of Samagaon. It is tucked behind the ridge in front of Manaslu, offering stunning views of the glaciers. Birendra Tal is a glacial lake at 3,691 meters. You’ll hear ice blocks crashing into the lake with loud booms. Samagaon is truly an interesting place for acclimatization.

You’re in for a treat today, as the trek is filled with beautiful landscapes and cultural immersion. The trek begins with crossing lush pasture areas that are home to plenty of grazing livestock. As you ascend into the valley, the trail guides you through majestic forests of juniper and birch. You’ll approach the Budhi Gandaki River after a few hours of trek. Then make your way across a wooden bridge that hangs over the river, offering us amazing views of the clear waters below.

After crossing the bridge, the trail becomes steeper as you climb the riverbank. Your today’s trek highlight will be the sighting of the incredible Manaslu mountain. Upon reaching the village of Samdo, a Tibetan refugee settlement, you’ll explore its unique architecture and local culture. You also have the option of surrounding hills, which offer great options for short hikes to enjoy the stunning scenery and glimpses of traditional Tibetan life.

It’s time you move from Samdo after a delicious breakfast. You’ll walk along the Samdo edge, passing fields and old Mani walls, and cross a wooden bridge over the Budhi Gandaki River. Pass the Athahra Saya River and follow the Larke River, where you’ll see prayer flags and mani walls along the way.

The terrain becomes increasingly challenging as you come close to the Larkya Glacier. You can stop and admire the fantastic view of the mountains, glaciers, icefalls, and rivers. There is a popular stone guest house at 4,460 m, named Dharmasala. It is also called Larkya La Phedi, from where you’ll see majestic views of Mt. Manaslu and Larkya Glacier.

Today you’ll prepare for an exciting trek around the Manaslu circuit, crossing the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 m. After an early breakfast, you’ll leave Dharamsala for a long day of trekking. The weather is key, as strong winds or storms can make the journey challenging. You’ll navigate a rough trail, crossing a moraine and descending to a small lake. Continue south across a steep slope, guided by prayer flags, until you reach four frozen lakes, then climb steeply to the Larkya La Pass.

Once at the pass, you can enjoy stunning views of Himlung Himal, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II. The trail continues over the moraine, heads west, and goes through steep, rough bends. You’ll cross another moraine and then descend to a grassy area. As you descend, walking becomes easier, and you’ll reach a small meadow. The valley widens as you approach a large meadow, Mani walls, and small houses, which means you have reached Bhimtang.

Yesterday was a special and tough trek for you. But today will be easier as you start crossing the Budhi Gandaki River. Cross the rhododendron forest and head towards a farm named Karche. Keep moving forward along the riverbank till you reach Gho.

Gho is a small but beautiful shrine near Nar village. This village is quite warm and a spiritual landmark for trekkers like you. After a few hours of rest, you can stroll through the Gho village, meet new people, and learn about their culture.

Today is your last day on the trek. You’ll wake up in Gho and then proceed to Dharapani. The path goes downhill, making the trek easier. You’ll walk through fields and pastures until you reach Tilje.

Upon reaching Tije, you’ll discover that this Gurung village is renowned for its brandy. Continue, passing several Mani walls throughout the trek to get to Thonje village. You’ll then trek for a few hours from Thonje to reach Dharapani, where you’ll spend the night.

It’s the last day of the iconic Manaslu adventure. After an early morning breakfast, you’ll leave Dharapani for Besishar, a journey that takes approximately seven hours. Along the trek route, you’ll pass many villages, the Marsyangdi River, Bhulbhule town, and Khudi. After 2 hours, you’ll arrive at Besisahar just after noon. You’ll have a half-hour break before heading to Kathmandu.

During your drive to Kathmandu, you’ll see the Marsyagdi River and the Trishuli River meeting on the road towards the Prithivi Highway. You’ll appreciate the beautiful and natural scenery, like high peaks, terraced fields, rivers, waterfalls, and caves. As you approach Kathmandu, concluding the amazing Manaslu circuit trek.